If you’re dreaming of a road trip along Australia’s East Coast, camping is the way to experience this stunning country up close. We spent 4 weeks driving from Melbourne to Cairns, discovering some of the best campsites for wildlife and natural beauty along the way. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of waves or the sight of kangaroos grazing just outside your door. Whether you’re an animal lover, nature enthusiast, or just looking to relax by the coast, these campsites offer the ultimate Aussie experience.
Renting a Camper van for Your Australian Road Trip
Starting your Australian adventure in a campervan lets you immerse yourself in the country’s landscapes and wildlife, and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Renting a campervan can be both cost-effective and convenient for a trip like this. We have partnered with Motorohome Rentals to help other travellers like you find the best deals for campervans in Australia. They offer pick up and drop off in all major cities and often have up to 30% off. If you book through the link below, we will receive a small commission, while you still pay the same competitive price. Thank you in advance for your support.
Camping with Kangaroos
Camping alongside kangaroos is an iconic Australian experience, but if you’re hoping to see them up close, your best bet is to stay in an official campsite. These areas often border national parks or conservation reserves, attracting wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies right to your doorstep. While freedom camping – setting up camp outside designated sites – is possible in certain areas, we chose to stick with official campsites for our trip to avoid any unnecessary fines as it is not entire clear (to us as tourists) where this is allowed and not. Now, here are our top 3 campsites that made our trip unforgettable.
Campsite #3: Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Location: Noosa North Shore, Queensland
Distance from Brisbane: Approximately 135 km (84 miles), around 2-hour drive
Cost: AUD 54 per night for a powered site
Recommended Stay: 2 nights
Why Noosa North Shore is a Must-Visit
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground is a hidden gem along the coast, with a pristine, seemingly endless beach that feels like it stretches on forever. You’ll need to take a ferry from Tewantin to get there, which costs AUD 12 each way for a campervan, adding to the secluded charm of the location. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by the beauty of the open beach and surrounding trails, making this spot feel like a true escape.
Highlights
- Secluded Beach: The beach is perfect for morning walks, evening sunsets, and endless views of the ocean. It’s quiet, unspoiled, and stretches on as far as you can see.
- Hiking Trails: The area around Noosa North Shore offers scenic walking trails, with chances to explore local bushland and coastal views.
- Kangaroos and Wildlife: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing near the campsite. It’s a special treat to see them in this beautiful, remote setting.
Suggested Activities
Take a couple of days to enjoy the beach, go for walks along the coast, and explore nearby trails. The tranquillity and beauty make it an ideal spot to unwind and take in the best of Queensland’s natural landscapes.
Campsite #2: Durras Lake North Holiday Park
Location: South Durras, New South Wales
Distance from Sydney: About 240 km (150 miles), around a 3-hour drive
Cost: AUD 50 per night for a powered site
Recommended Stay: 1-2 nights
Why Durras Lake is Perfect for Wildlife Lovers
Durras Lake North Holiday Park offers a true Aussie wildlife experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Nestled next to Murramarang National Park, this spot guarantees a 100% chance to see kangaroos up close as they roam freely around the campsite. It’s a short walk from both Durras Lake and the ocean, making it a fantastic place for outdoor lovers wanting to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the natural surroundings.
Highlights
- Guaranteed Kangaroo Sightings: This campsite is one of the best for seeing kangaroos in their natural setting, with Eastern Grey Kangaroos frequently grazing around the area. If you are lucky you can also spot the Swamp Wallaby.
- Proximity to Nature: With the lake and ocean just a short stroll away, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy water activities or simply relax by the shore.
- Bushwalking Trails: Murramarang National Park offers a variety of walking trails, giving you a chance to explore coastal cliffs, eucalypt forests, and diverse Australian flora and fauna.
Suggested Activities
A day or two here is perfect to enjoy the peace and beauty of the lake and ocean. Whether you’re taking a scenic bushwalk or just sitting back and watching the kangaroos graze, this campsite offers an authentic Australian nature experience.
Campsite #1: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Location: Cape Hillsborough, Queensland
Distance from Airlie Beach: Around 130 km (81 miles), about a 1.5-hour drive
Cost: AUD 47 per night for a powered site
Recommended Stay: Minimum 2 nights
Why Cape Hillsborough is an Unmissable Camping Experience
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is iconic for its beachfront setting, where kangaroos and wallabies gather each morning at sunrise. This campground is just a short drive from Airlie Beach and is famous for its mix of lush rainforest, rugged coastline, and beautiful views of the Coral Sea. The sight of kangaroos on the beach at dawn is an unforgettable experience and truly sets this campsite apart.
Highlights
- Sunrise with Kangaroos: Watching Agile Wallabies and Eastern Grey Kangaroos hop along the beach at dawn is a magical experience unique to Cape Hillsborough and one of the most iconic wildlife sightings in Australia.
- Beachfront Views: The campground is right on the coast, offering stunning views of the Coral Sea and an ideal place to relax or take a morning beach walk.
- Rainforest Trails: The surrounding area offers beautiful bushwalking tracks through Cape Hillsborough National Park, giving you panoramic views over the ocean and the chance to see even more wildlife.
Suggested Activities
Spend at least two days at Cape Hillsborough to really enjoy all it has to offer. You’ll want time to experience the famous sunrise and explore the surrounding rainforest trails. It’s the perfect place to get lost in nature and experience a truly special Australian landscape.
Conclusion
Camping along Australia’s East Coast is an unforgettable experience, especially when you find the perfect spots where kangaroos roam free. Each campsite has its own unique appeal, whether it’s the secluded beauty of Noosa North Shore, the guaranteed wildlife encounters at Durras Lake, or the iconic kangaroo sunrise at Cape Hillsborough.
Which campsite sounds like your favourite? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share your own camping experiences with kangaroos. Whether you’re planning a road trip or dreaming about it, these campsites offer an adventure unlike any other.
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